Musculoskeletal

Lumbar Strain

A lower-back condition that may involve pain, limited motion, flare-ups, or neurologic symptoms.

Regulatory summaries checked against eCFR current through July 9, 2026 · condition-library-2026.07.09 · record d2f2e0400a91

Quick rating reference

How VA may evaluate Lumbar Strain

Select a diagnostic code or shared formula to see the criteria that apply to that manifestation.

Verified summaries are labeled

Potential codesDC 5237 · DC 5243

Verified evaluation levels10% · 20% · 40% · 50% · 100%

Rating paths shown2

Choose a rating path

Shared rating formula

General Rating Formula for the Spine

Measured motion, guarding or spasm, spinal contour, and ankylosis are central to this formula.

Plain-language summary verified

EvaluationPlain-language criteria summary

10%

Specified mild motion loss or localized findings

Thoracolumbar flexion is over 60° but no more than 85°, combined motion is over 120° but no more than 235°, or specified tenderness, spasm, guarding, or qualifying fracture is present.

20%

Greater motion loss or abnormal gait/contour

Thoracolumbar flexion is over 30° but no more than 60°, combined motion is 120° or less, or spasm/guarding produces abnormal gait or spinal contour.

40%

Flexion 30° or less or favorable ankylosis

Thoracolumbar flexion is 30° or less, or the entire thoracolumbar spine has favorable ankylosis.

50%

Unfavorable thoracolumbar ankylosis

The entire thoracolumbar spine has unfavorable ankylosis.

100%

Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine

The entire spine has unfavorable ankylosis.

The formula has no 30% thoracolumbar level. Qualifying disc syndrome may use a different formula, and associated objective neurologic abnormalities may be evaluated separately.

This reference explains the schedule; it does not predict an individual rating. VA determines the applicable code and evaluation from the complete record.

Overview

Back-condition preparation should describe diagnosis, measured motion, repeated-use effects, flare-ups, treatment, and functional limits. Radiating symptoms may require separate clinical evaluation.

What VA measures

Most thoracolumbar spine conditions are evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, with an alternate formula for qualifying intervertebral disc syndrome. Associated objective neurologic abnormalities may be evaluated separately.

Measured thoracolumbar range of motion

Muscle spasm, guarding, and spinal contour

Functional loss during flare-ups or repeated use

Ankylosis or qualifying incapacitating episodes

Associated neurologic findings

Evidence that may be useful

Current diagnosis and examination
Range-of-motion measurements
Imaging when clinically relevant
Physical therapy and treatment records
Statements describing flare-ups and activity limits

Helpful documentation habits

Describe frequency, duration, and triggers of flare-ups
Record limits on lifting, standing, sitting, and walking
Document radiating pain, numbness, or bowel/bladder symptoms promptly
Explain assistive-device use

Common preparation gaps

Describing only pain intensity
Ignoring function during flare-ups
Combining back and leg symptoms without identifying each

Diagnostic-code map

A diagnosis or body part can involve more than one code. The applicable code depends on the medical findings and manifestations in the record.

DC 5237§ 4.71a

Lumbosacral or cervical strain

Generally evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

Official criteria

DC 5243§ 4.71a

Intervertebral disc syndrome

May use the general spine formula or the formula for qualifying incapacitating episodes, whichever method results in the higher evaluation when properly combined.

Official criteria